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Why Join Rochester Public Schools – A Community of Visionary Educators
Rochester Public Schools (RPS) is more than a district; it is a thriving ecosystem of innovative educators, passionate learners, and supportive families committed to shaping the future of art education. With a legacy of excellence spanning over a century, RPS embraces creativity, cultural diversity, and equity as core pillars of its mission. As a remote High School Art Teacher, you will be part of a forward‑thinking team that leverages technology to deliver high‑impact, student‑centered instruction while fostering an inclusive, vibrant artistic community that reflects the rich tapestry of Minnesota’s urban landscape.
Position Overview – What You’ll Be Doing
The Online High School Art Teacher - 1.0 LTS (Long‑Term Substitute) role is a full‑time, remote teaching appointment that runs approximately from November 20 2023 through January 19 2024, with the potential for extension based on district needs and teacher performance. You will be reporting directly to the campus Principal and collaborating closely with curriculum coordinators, technology specialists, and fellow art faculty members.
Core Responsibilities
- Design and deliver engaging, standards‑aligned art curricula for grades 9‑12 through a virtual learning environment, incorporating drawing, painting, digital media, sculpture, and mixed‑media projects.
- Facilitate synchronous and asynchronous lessons using platforms such as Google Classroom, Canvas, and Microsoft Teams, ensuring accessibility for all learners.
- Assess student work with clear rubrics, provide timely, constructive feedback, and maintain comprehensive grade records in compliance with district policies.
- Manage virtual classroom dynamics, employing proven classroom management techniques adapted for remote instruction to foster a respectful, inclusive, and creative atmosphere.
- Integrate culturally responsive pedagogy that celebrates the diverse backgrounds of urban students, encouraging self‑expression and critical thinking about art’s role in society.
- Collaborate with colleagues on interdisciplinary projects, virtual exhibitions, and cross‑curricular initiatives that connect visual arts with subjects such as literature, history, and technology.
- Maintain professional communication with parents, guardians, and community partners through newsletters, virtual open houses, and personalized conferencing.
- Engage in continuous professional development, attending district‑wide webinars, participating in peer‑review sessions, and staying current with emerging educational technologies and art education research.
- Uphold district policies regarding equity, data privacy, student safety, and confidentiality at all times.
Essential Qualifications – What You Bring to the Table
- Current Minnesota teaching license in Art Education (or a closely related field) with eligibility for long‑term substitute certification.
- Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Art Education, or a related discipline; a master’s degree is highly preferred.
- Minimum of two years of successful teaching experience in a high‑school setting, preferably within urban or multicultural environments.
- Demonstrated proficiency with digital instructional tools (e.g., Google Workspace, LMS platforms, digital portfolios, and multimedia creation software such as Adobe Creative Suite or Procreate).
- Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex artistic concepts clearly to diverse learners.
- Commitment to equity and inclusion, evidenced by prior work that supports culturally responsive teaching practices.
- Strong organizational abilities to manage lesson planning, grading, and virtual classroom logistics effectively.
Preferred Qualifications – The “Nice‑to‑Have” Extras
- Experience teaching in a fully remote or hybrid model, with a record of student achievement in virtual settings.
- Professional development certifications in areas such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL), trauma‑informed instruction, or social‑emotional learning.
- Portfolio of student artwork curated for online exhibition, demonstrating innovative assessment and presentation methods.
- Familiarity with grant writing or fundraising for arts programs, enhancing resource availability for students.
- Proficiency in multilingual communication, especially in languages prevalent in the Rochester community (e.g., Spanish, Somali, Hmong).
Skills & Competencies – Keys to Success in This Role
- Creative Pedagogy: Ability to translate artistic concepts into engaging virtual experiences that spark curiosity and imagination.
- Technology Integration: Comfort with screen‑sharing, video‑editing, digital critique tools, and virtual gallery platforms.
- Student‑Centric Mindset: Sensitivity to varied learning styles, providing differentiated instruction and accommodations as needed.
- Collaboration: Strong teamwork ethos, building relationships with administrators, peers, and community stakeholders.
- Data‑Driven Decision Making: Use of assessment data to inform instructional adjustments and improve student outcomes.
- Professionalism: Punctuality, reliability, and adherence to district policies, especially concerning student safety and confidentiality.
Compensation, Benefits & Perks – What You’ll Receive
Rochester Public Schools offers a competitive salary structure based on your educational attainment and years of licensure experience. In addition to the base pay, the following benefits are available to qualified full‑time and half‑time employees:
- Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision) with employer contributions.
- Retirement plan with matching contributions.
- Paid professional development days and tuition reimbursement for advanced degrees or certifications.
- Generous paid time off including holidays, sick leave, and personal days.
- Technology stipend for home‑office equipment and high‑speed internet to support remote teaching.
- Employee wellness programs such as mental‑health counseling, fitness memberships, and mindfulness workshops.
- Opportunities for career advancement within the district, including pathways to lead art curriculum development or mentor new teachers.
Work Environment & Culture – The RPS Experience
Even though this position is fully remote, you will remain an integral part of the RPS community. Our culture is built on:
- Collaboration: Regular virtual faculty meetings, peer‑review circles, and interdisciplinary project teams.
- Innovation: Access to cutting‑edge instructional technologies and a district‑wide commitment to integrating the arts into STEAM initiatives.
- Equity: Ongoing training in culturally responsive teaching, bias mitigation, and inclusive curriculum design.
- Support: Dedicated instructional coaches, IT specialists, and a responsive Human Resources team to assist with any concerns.
- Community Engagement: Virtual showcases, student‑led exhibitions, and partnerships with local museums, galleries, and cultural organizations.
Career Growth & Professional Development – Your Path Forward
RPS believes that great teachers become great leaders. As an Online High School Art Teacher, you will have access to a roadmap for career progression:
- Mentorship Programs: Pairing with veteran art educators for guidance and skill sharpening.
- Leadership Opportunities: Potential roles as Art Department Chair, Curriculum Specialist, or Virtual Learning Designer.
- Advanced Certifications: Funding for endorsements in Digital Arts, Graphic Design, or Art Therapy.
- Conference Participation: Attendance at national and regional art education conferences (e.g., NAEA, AEA).
- Research & Publication: Support to conduct action research on remote art instruction and submit findings to scholarly journals.
How to Apply – Take the Next Step Toward an Inspiring Teaching Journey
If you are passionate about nurturing artistic talent, thrive in a virtual environment, and are eager to contribute to a district that values equity, creativity, and lifelong learning, we encourage you to submit your application today. Please prepare the following documents:
- Current Minnesota teaching license (PDF).
- Updated résumé highlighting art education experience.
- Cover letter describing your instructional philosophy and how you will foster an inclusive online art classroom.
- Portfolio of student work or personal art projects (optional but highly recommended).
Applications are accepted through the Rochester Public Schools portal. For any questions, contact the Office of Human Resources at 507‑328‑4251 or email [email protected].
We Encourage You to Apply!
Even if you feel you're not a perfect match, we'd still love to hear from you. We are looking for great people to join our friendly, forward‑thinking team. Your unique experiences and perspectives are valuable assets that can enrich our students' artistic journeys.
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Art Education – One Click at a Time
At Rochester Public Schools, you will not only teach art—you will inspire the next generation of creators, innovators, and cultural leaders. Embrace the flexibility of remote work while making a tangible impact on students’ lives. We look forward to welcoming you to a community where imagination meets opportunity.
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